title: The role of EPH receptors in cancer-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
abstract: Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (EPH) receptors are considered the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and play key roles in physiological and pathologic processes in development and disease. EPH receptors are often overexpressed in human malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the functions of EPH receptors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remain largely unknown. This review depicts the relationship between EPH receptors and the EMT marker E-cadherin as well as the crosstalk between EPH receptors and the signaling pathways involved EMT. Further discussion is focused on the clinical significance of EPH receptors as candidates for targeting in cancer therapeutics. Finally, we summarize how targeted inhibition of both EPH receptors and EMT-related signaling pathways represents a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P. R. China. chenzk1974@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Rui-Xin
authors.initials: RX
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Zi-Hua
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhi-Kang
authors.initials: ZK
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015820:Cadherins; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015820:Cadherins; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D036081:Receptors, Eph Family